• @ch00f@lemmy.world
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    265 months ago

    Memorization is not the same thing as critical thinking.

    A well designed test will freely give you an equation sheet or even allow a cheat sheet.

    • @kitnaht@lemmy.world
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      25 months ago

      You’re right it’s not the same thing as critical thinking, but it is a skill we’ve lost. How many skills have we lost throughout history due to machines and manufacturing?

      This is the same tale over and over again - these people weren’t using critical thinking to begin with if they were trusting a prediction engine with their tasks.

      • Optional
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        15 months ago

        I think “deliberately suppressed” is different than lost.

    • @UnderpantsWeevil@lemmy.world
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      25 months ago

      Memorization is not the same thing as critical thinking.

      A library of internalized axioms is necessary for efficient critical thinking. You can’t just turn yourself into a Chinese Room of analysis.

      A well designed test will freely give you an equation sheet or even allow a cheat sheet.

      Certain questions are phrased to force the reader to pluck out and categorize bits of information, to implement complex iterations of simple formulae, and to perform long-form calculations accurately without regard to the formulae themselves.

      But for elementary skills, you’re often challenging the individual to retain basic facts and figures. Internalizing your multiplication tables can serve as a heuristic that’s quicker than doing simple sums in your head. Knowing the basic physics formulae - your F = ma, ρ=m/V, f= V/λ etc - can give you a broader understanding of the physical world.

      If all you know how to do is search for answers to basic questions, you’re slowing down your ability to process new information and recognize patterns or predictive signals in a timely manner.